State of Minnesota Archives: on Crime

I shall fight against any efforts to pass legislation and regulation of victimless crimes. Such "crimes" include speeding, drinking, no seat belts, drug use, prostitution, gambling, no helmets, or any other crime where no harm
is brought against another human or group of humans. All consensual acts, free from fraud, force, and coercion belong to the consenting individuals involved and do not fall into the domain of politics or government.

Jim Abeler:
Major overhaul needed for sex offender laws

Minnesota must make it easier for sex offenders to finish a treatment program that for most has resulted in indefinite state custody, and should try to get politics out of the screening process, a task force said. The 22-member panel recommended a major
overhaul of the state's sex offender laws.

Of the 698 people now enrolled [as juveniles], 52 have never been convicted of an adult crime. "No person should be civilly committed based solely on behavior that occurred while that person was a juvenile,"
the report said. If the Legislature fails to fix the program it risk having it dismantled by a federal judge. Gov. Mark Dayton has halted the provisional release of offenders until the Legislature has a chance to act.

Rep. Jim Abeler, a Republican
who also served on the task force, said those who believe changes are necessary--he counted himself in that group--might have to push forward even if it's divisive. "If we can't reach a truce, that doesn't mean the problem then goes away," Abeler said.

Walter Mondale:
Gideon brief established right to attorney

Mondale, as attorney general, filed a brief on behalf of a Florida man named Clarence Gideon who couldn’t afford a defense attorney. At the time, states were not required to provide attorneys to poor defendants charged with serious crimes.
As a result of Mondale’s brief, defendants charged with serious crimes in both federal and state courts are provided attorneys if they cannot afford one. The Gideon case is required reading for all first year law students.

Source: Minnesota Public Radio interview with Elizabeth Stawicki
May 17, 2001

Mark Dayton:
More resources for local law enforcement & COPS

I will fight to provide local law enforcement the resources needed to prevent and control crime. I support increased federal funding for law enforcement for programs
such as COPS and other federal initiatives that expand the presence of community police on our streets.